The Council, elected every four years, carries out the policies decided upon by the members. It consists of eight members: the President, elected by the General Assembly, two members designated by the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF), one member designated by the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations (AIOWF), two members designated by the Association of Recognised International Sports Federations and two members (one delegate from the International Sports Federations and one delegate from the Associate Members) designated by the other sports Federations/Organisations that do not belong to any of the above groups. Each organisation/group applies its own procedure to designate its representatives.

The Council elects two Vice-Presidents and one Treasurer from among its members.